PETER WADDELL

Press re-fresh or re-load on your web browser if you are returning to this website. That way you will view any amendments or additions since your last visit.

A number of people at Peter's funeral asked me for the address of this website and there are probably many others , not on the e-mail discussion lists, who would also like to know about it and submit a tribute. Please let all Peter's friends know about this facility.

The address of the website is: http://www.hotkey.net.au/~string/waddell.htm (note the tilde sign before 'string'.) It is best to cut and paste the URL from here and put it in an e-mail, if advising others.

Peter Waddell - Racewalker, writer, human athletics encyclopaedia, stirrer and friend to many ..............

Funeral: Close to 200 people attended Peter Waddell's funeral at the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Charnwood, ACT, today (Friday 13 December 2002). Many also attended the burial at Gungahlin Cemetery and then proceeded to the West Belconnen Leagues Club. Friends and relatives from Sydney and Melbourne drove to Canberra and many former Australian international racewalking representatives were present. Athletes observed a minute's silence at the AIS track during Thursday night Vets and also at Saturday's Interclub as a mark of respect to Peter.

The following is the eulogy delivered by Peter's brother, John Waddell, during the Mass at St Thomas Aquinas Church -

MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR L.C. (PETER) WADDEL, Friday 13th December 2002.

EULOGY BY JOHN WADDELL

Firstly, on behalf of our family I would like to thank you all for coming along today to help us celebrate the life of our brother Peter.

I would also like to thank Father Drinkwater for all the spiritual help he has given to Peter during these last few difficult weeks.

It is impossible to tell anyone's life in a few minutes, particularly Peter, who did so much, travelled so much and led such a full life.

Llewellyn Charles Waddell, Peter to his family and friends was born in Sydney on the 25th January, 1931, the second of seven children to Charles and Bertha Waddell.

He grew up during the depression and World War 2 years, and, as the older ones will remember, life was tough. Peter and his brothers caddied at Pennant Hills Golf Club for many years, to earn extra money, and as a result golf became a lifelong pastime which Peter enjoyed immensely. But Peter also loved athletics, and this, and in particular race-walking became his passion during his life.

Peter started off as a runner and was good enough to be placed in the N.S.W. State Junior Championships.

Peter switched to race walking and as most of us here present would know he was very successful at it. He won several State and National titles over the longer distances. In 1956 he was well favoured to become a member of the Australian Olympic team but a blood disorder at that time ruined his chances of selection.

Peter enjoyed his sport and continued racing and in later life became a regular participant in veteran events. He became a successful coach and athletics administrator and has been President of the Australian Walker's Federation since 1972.

The culmination of his success was when he was appointed an Australian Selector and was responsible for the selection of the team for the marathon, walking and cross-country events at the Sydney Olympic Games.

Peter was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 by the Commonwealth of Australia for his contribution to Athletics.

With his knowledge of athletics and fantastic memory, particularly for dates and sporting results, Peter was able to write several books which are, and will be, of great benefit to athletes in the future.

Peter was also a good stirrer, perhaps the greatest! We are all surprised he has not had a libel case out against him. He was also fearless about stating his mind about the principles he upheld.

Peter had a great sense of humour, a little different from most of us, but, still a great sense of humour.

Perhaps Peter's greatest attribute was his generosity to his family and friends both in his time and kind. He was continuously giving to them all . He provided a home for Mum for her last 25 years. He kept in regular contact with all his friends and family and will be remembered for his generosity and his love for his fellow man.

The great number of friends and relatives who are here to-day or who have sent messages of condolence during the past few days is testimony to this.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Personally, I am very proud to have been his brother and his friend. Once again Thank you all for coming today.

Tributes: E-mail your tribute or a story to me at: string@hotkey.net.au and if it's printable I will upload it. 'Scandalous' stories such as this will definitely not be uploaded!! "During one of his long training walks Peter told a friend that in his will he would leave $1,000 to each of ten married women whose husbands were friends, just so that he could see the consternation on their faces as they asked after his passing 'Why would he do that?'."

Above: Obituary in the sports pages of the Canberra Times 13 December 2002. Written by Bryan Thomas from ACT Vets. Below: Notice in Canberra Times.

WADDELL, Llewellyn Charles ("Peter"), born 25 January 1931, died on 11 December 2002. Peter Waddell, as he was known among his wide circle of friends in the Australian athletics movement, had been President of the Australian Federation of Racewalking Clubs (AFRWC) since 1972. He was a life member of the Federation and also a life member of the Western Suburbs AAC (NSW) Club, and both the NSW and ACT Walkers Clubs.

Peter was one of seven children born to Charles and Bertha Waddell (both dec) and is survived by sisters and brothers Mary, Ron, John, Annette, and Robyn.

Peter was born in Sydney and his involvement with athletics spanned more than 50 years, in NSW, the ACT, and nationally. He was a team selector for the marathon, racewalking and cross country events for the Sydney Olympics and in 2000 was awarded an Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to athletics.

He represented NSW in 35 track and road walk teams between 1955 and 1979. At the 1955 AFRWC interstate titles he and Les Hellyer broke the Australian then "best" time as well as achieving an Olympic qualifying time for the 50 kms walk (4:53.33). According to the eulogy delivered by his brother John Waddell at the Mass of Thanksgiving held at St Thomas Aquinas Church, Charnwood, ACT, on 13 December 2002, Peter was among those with a chance of selection for the 1956 Olympics but a blood disorder at the time ruined his chances.

Continuing his career as a competitor, Peter was third in the 1961 national 2 miles walk, and achieved pb.s of 1:41.52 for the 20 kms walk and 4:44.55 for the 50 kms walk, both in 1965. Peter continued to racewalk, even as recently as some of the winter 2002 ACTRWC events in Canberra, following his diagnosis with cancer in April 2002.

Peter was a member of the Australian team that competed in the first international track and field meet for mature aged athletes held in Cologne, Germany in 1972, and also competed at four World Veterans Championships in 1981, 1985, 1987 and 2001.

Endurance walking also greatly interested Peter, and although he completed 540 kms in the 1997 Colac Six Day event to set a new Australasian best and also set an Australian best performance of 229 kms for the 48 hours walk in August 1999, the aim of becoming a "Centurion" (someone who walks 100 miles in under 24 hours) eluded him, despite several attempts.

Like many famous people of his era Peter commenced work at the PMG in Sydney as a telegram boy and worked has way up to be a telegraphist. According to one contemporary he was an excellent ballroom dancer in his younger days. His brother John said that his caddying as a youth at Pennant Hills Golf Club to earn extra money led to golf being a lifelong pastime.

During his time in Canberra Peter worked as a telegraphist and teletype operator at the former Post Office in East Block and also in the Press Gallery at Old Parliament House. He was one of those people who, in his retirement, could walk into a room where morse code was being transmitted and still recognise the substance of messages being tapped out.

Perhaps Peter should have been a journalist. From 1969 onwards he produced an occasional racewalking newsletter which incorporated difficult to obtain race results within Australia and overseas. This information, and his occasional witty and provocatively 'stirring' comments, guaranteed its readership among groups of isolated walkers scattered around Australia. The newsletter was printed and posted mostly at his own expense.

Other more substantial publications followed, including "A History of Australian Racewalking Part 1" (1989), "A Guide for Judges, Coaches and Athletes" (1990), and "Racewalking in Australia" (1991).

Peter was also an honorary publicist for the Canberra City Harriers, and later the Woden Harriers, ACT Athletics and, of course, the ACT Racewalking Club. Many a young ACT athlete who had scored a notable success, achieved a PB, or broken a record, was certain of receiving an encouraging write-up in the ACT sports media whose journalists welcomed the clever way Peter could fashion a news story.

In tributes following his death, colleagues remembered his supportiveness, friendship, and his encyclopaedic memory of athletics results.

NSW Athletics official Ron Crawford, who was able to visit Peter in hospital just two days before his passing, stated that Peter's archives and athletic materials "need to be preserved so that this information is available to future generations". Sydney Olympian Matt Beckenham expressed appreciation for the support he had given him. Australian international racewalker Jane Saville was able to leave a message of encouragement for Peter with nursing staff just hours before he passed peacefully. Gary Little, President of the NZ Race Walkers Association described Peter as "the complete racewalker, dispensing theory, fact, and physical involvement". Athletics coach Tudor Bidder described Peter as "a tremendous enthusiast". Lachlan Wilkinson, secretary of the ACT Racewalking Club, said that the Club would try to find a permanent way of recognising his contribution to racewalking. Former international representative Dave Smith from Queensland referred to their 30-year friendship, and Peter's passion for racewalking and commitment to his friends. Irish international representative Pierce O'Callaghan described Peter as an outstatnding ambassador to the event in Australia. Media commentator and former Australian international long jumper David Culbert said that if every State had a Peter Waddell reporting, cajoling and encouraging media outlets the sport would be better for it. Australian member of the International Walks Judging Panel Jill Huxley said that "we have lost a big chunk of our walking fraternity in just one man". Andrew and Lorraine Jachno, former Australian international representatives, and friends of Peter for 20 years said that "he was the link that kept not only his own family together but his racewalking family also".

(Based on material assembled by John Waddell, Bryan Thomas, Tim Erickson, Jill Huxley, Robin Whyte, Ron Crawford and Paul Jenes.)

Ron Crawford: (NSW Athletics official and long-time friend) "I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Peter on Monday and am so glad I made the trip to Canberra.He died today Wednesday. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend his funeral on Friday because of other commitments ( I will be there in spirit). It is now up to all members of the athletic community to do something tangible to enable his work to live on. His archives and athletic materials need to be preserved so that this information is available to future generations. All of us who knew him well will miss his stirring and provocative ways."

Matt Beckenham: (Sydney Olympian) "That is sad news. Peter has been a wonderful supporter of me and I have appreciated everything he did for me. Please pass on my condolences to his family."

Mark Donahoo & Kate Suich: (Victorian racewalkers): I am also saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Waddell. In the time as Federation of Race Walking Clubs, Secretary, Peter always supported the actions needed to keep the Federation going and going strong, especially the Canberra Weekend.He will be missed.

Warren Davey (Perth, former ACTA and ACTLA official): "I was dumbfounded to have received an email from Greg Gilbert telling me that Peter lost his battle with that insidious disease. I do not have any one special moment to remember about Peter, but feel lucky to have met the person in many sporting circumstances in Canberra. His ability to be there when it mattered was an innate ability of his. His tireless energy was amazing, and there were occasions when I was officiating for his events and I thought 'How can one person have so much energy'. Can you please pass on my best wishes to his family."

Jane Saville (Sydney Olympian, a few hours before Peter passed away): "I just rang and spoke to the Nurse and she said she would go and give him my best wishes and that I would see him "walking on LBG soon."

"Judge Smith" (Ray, I think): "So sorry to hear this sad news. Peter has been such a great contributor to racewalking for so many years (and a good bloke too!). My thoughts are with him, his family and friends."

Mark Wall (UK): "Even though I am currently living abroad and have not seen Peter for a period of time, I am nonetheless distressed to hear of Peter's passing. He will live on in the hearts of all who had the good fortune to come in contact with him...I guess we will now have to forgive him for the scandalous things he wrote about most of us over the years... Even now I can see him starting another newsletter up in that better place... Rest in Peace LPW."

Gary Little (NZ): "On behalf of the New Zealand Race Walking fraternity, I would like to communicate our sympathies to family and friends of Peter. Many of us on this side of the ditch have known Peter and were the wiser and more informed because of it. He was, as his obituary indicates, a man of numbers, names and letters. His name was constantly seen on the internet advising and correcting details of internet communications. I presume this aspect of his race walking was also the same long before the advent of the internet. He could be refered to as a complete race walker, dispensing theory, fact, and physical involvement. My personal contacts with Peter, although not that many, were ones of friendship and enlightenment. His passing will leave a large gap, not only amongst family and friends, but amongst the all members of the race walking fraternity who had knowledge of him. Peter will be remembered." Gary Little President New Zealand Race Walkers Association.

Tudor Bidder (T&F coach): "From one who knew Peter to be the man that he was. A tremendous enthusiast. please extend my sincere sympathies to his family."

Gary Hosking (ACT T&F coach): "I got to know Peter fairly well over the last 4-5 years. If it wasn't for his constant encouragement of individuals and subsequent publicity of their achievements many of our local junior athletes (particularly walkers) would probably have not persisted. I know that this was the case with Rebecca, Michael and Jillian. In fact Jill's gold medal on Sunday at Hobart was a major example of Peter's encouragement in the past 12 months after she was DQ'd in last year' event in Melbourne. It was only a small thing but Peter always planned well. Several years ago they reintroduced the ACT 50 km Championship (an event which Peter had never won); Peter figured out that of the intended starters only he and I were registered with an Athletics ACT club and as this was my first long event I only intended to walk part of the way to keep him company. To cut to the result Peter won this much cherished title even though I kept him company the whole way! Peter was a constant source of publicity for our sport of athletics and his input is going to be irreplaceable! We will all miss Peter."

Jon Gawley (Ex WA racewalker, now NSW): "I only met Peter a few times and he was not only a wise man about the sport but someone who had a positve thing to say to any athlete of any standard. He was positive with myself and my efforts with race walking and the sport in general. There should be more Peters out there. May he Rest in Peace".

Nola de Chazal (ACT racewalker): "My story about Peter Last June during the last few months when Peter was still well, there was a winter series race walk around Lake Tuggernong. The walk was handicapped, consequently I went off in an early group. I was a quarter away around the lake, beating along when Peter suddenly appeared behind me, he has inadvertently taken a short cut over the bridge. Peter walked behind me the whole way, encouraging and pushing me, I won the handicap with a personal best time over that distance. Thank you Peter may you rest in peace in a much brighter place. Cheers Nola."

Ian Boyd (President of Woden Harriers AC): "Peter was one of the longest-standing members of Woden Harriers being a member of Canberra City Harriers for a long period before the amalgamation. He was the club's publicity officer for many years and was also a delegate to ACT Athletics Management Council for many years. He was a great supporter of our club and many of you will have read the phrase "from the strong Woden Harriers club" which was coined by Peter. He will be missed. Ian."

Jason Kougellis (Athlete): "Very sad news. Please pass on my sympathy to the family.

Lachlan Wilkinson (Secretary ACTRWC): "Thank you for keeping us informed Denis. I too am saddened by this news although for the last few months I suppose we had a feeling that it was going to end up this way. ACTRWC committee meetings will never be the same. For a start, they'll be a lot shorter! I can't recall ever seeing Peter stick to the agenda. There were always too many opportunities to start up a discussion on one of his many hobbby horses. Or he would do a bit of gentle stirring, usually at Robin Whyte's expense, just to get an argument going. I recall seeing an old newsletter of Peter's from around twenty years ago and he was having the same jibes at Robin back then! My children were really not sure how to take Peter the first few times they met him as he would tease incessantly but they soon learnt to ignore this and when we had meetings at my place and he would bring chocolates for them, they decided he was OK.
Where Peter was particularly useful was if you ever needed to find a contact for any sort of race walking issue. Peter would always come up with a name to ring and then rattle off their phone number off the top of his head.
Peter will be missed but he will be remembered. As a club, I'm sure that the rest of the committee will agree with me that we should find some way to recognise his contribution." Lachlan Wilkinson Secretary - ACTRWC.

Dave Smith (Qld Racewalkers): "To the racewalking fraternity, I write this on behalf of the Qld Racewlking Club , its members and friends of Peter Waddell. And most importantly, myself. Our sincere condolence go out to Peters family and all those whose lives he touched over many years or athletic endeavour .I have known Peter for over thirty years as an athlete and friend from when I first started racewalking as a 17 yr old in Vic . He had always displayed a passion for the sport of racewalking and committment to his friends and colleagues touching all those around him with his wit and knowledge . He will be sadly missed by many. Dave Smith QRWC."

Shiley Lorens (ACTA Official): "I had lots of time for Peter Waddell and wish I had known him better." Shirley Llorens, Weston Creek Club.

Bob Perry (Racewalker and T&F Coach, Canberra. Bob is the person who usually slaves over a computer in a tent at the LBG Carnival so that we can have the results that night): "I was very saddened to learn of Peter’s death.I saw him earlier in the week and he was still interested in discussing athletics and gave a couple of his cheeky grins.He has been so important to racewalking, particularly here in Canberra. His enthusiasm, encyclopaedic knowledge and range of contacts made him an extraordinary and valuable person. He was a great competitor and no-one who knew him will ever forget his sense of humour. I am very glad that I knew him. As Ron Crawford said, his legacy of athletics knowledge must be preserved." Bob Perry.

Peter Strangman (Ex racewalker, London moving to Madrid): "It was always good fun to see Peter – he was certainly an original kind of character, modest and full of funny wit. It was a rare occasion ever to see him overly serious – he would constantly bring smiles to people’s faces. Even while competing in a ‘serious’ race he’d harmlessly be taking the mickey out of something or someone along the way. His writing was very positive and I enjoyed reading anything he wrote from newspaper articles, books and weekly newsletters. The earliest memory I have of Peter Waddell about 16 years ago was my first day at Walkers Club at Black Mountain peninsular. Our family were very excited to be there - we arrived at walkers club on a Saturday afternoon with only my older sister knowing how to race-walk ‘properly’ – Peter Waddell took her and the other more experienced walkers for a pre-race warm up walk while my brothers and I were trying to test out this new and odd looking event for the first time. Just before the afternoon race got underway we enthusiastically asked Peter to give us advice on our walking techniques by striding out in front of him…our techniques were pretty terrible but no doubt Peter was giving us some good feedback and encouragement. Which continued on throughout the years. That afternoon was the start of a long friendship between Peter and our family. Peter’s positive encouragement, friendliness and sense of humour became a weekly part of our lives. He intoduced us to some very nice people. His dedication and commitment to Athletics in Canberra and throughout the country will certainly be missed and this loss will be deeply felt. His continuous encouragement, humour and friendliness that he brought to my family and to the race-walking and athletics communities will never be forgotten. He has left all of us with some great memories and a lot of inspiration."

Graham Thomas (Creator of the Athletics Gold website - see link at end of Graham's message): "VALE PETER WADDELL. The first time I saw Peter Waddell, I thought he was stealing things from my mailbox. I had just moved to Canberra in 1994 and can remember ordering a copy of Peter's book 'Athletics in Australia 1993' shortly after I moved into my apartment. A day after this, I looked out my bedroom window to see a small, wiry grey-haired man crouched around my mailbox as if he was trying to steal cheques or other envelopes from within. A minute later, when I went down to confront my 'little thief', he had disappeared. However, I found that my mailbox, rather than being emptied, was now full. Finally the penny dropped and I realised it had been Mr. Waddell himself, hand delivering the book I had just ordered in national record time. He'd not only delivered the book I'd paid for, but he had also donated free copies of earlier yearbooks and it was these he was having trouble shoving into my mailbox when I spotted him through my window. The books, as some may remember, were fine summaries of the Australian athletics year and featured a treasure of anecdotes, stats and trivia, particularly when Peter recalled his days as a Western Suburbs athlete in Sydney in the 1950s. It was always interesting to me, to compare these stories and performances from the 1950s (leading into Melbourne 1956) and contrast it with the buildup in Australia towards Sydney 2000. Peter was an active member of Oztrack and I recall many long e-mail conversations with him about Australian athletics, particularly when talking about the history of track and field or when the issue concerned race-walking. I think he liked the fact that I was a fair bit younger than him but very interested in the athletes of the past. He always used to encourage the historical research on my web-site and whenever I saw him at the AIS track, the first thing he'd say to me would be 'Marilyn Vassella (or insert name of other 'famous' Aussie athlete here) is in the stands if you want to say hello'. The last time I talked with Peter in any detail was in 2001 at the Brisbane Nationals. We spent almost the whole afternoon in the media box, virtually alone, discussing current events in the sport and about sixty years or so of Australian athletics history. Though there weren't many events on the programme that day, I had a great time at the track and I think Peter did too. Though we were little more than acquaintances, when we discussed the sport we loved we were like old mates. And I'll miss this mate. Sincere condolences to Peter's family and close friends." Regards, Graham Thomas http://www.geocities.com/geetee/

Jim Leppik (Racewalk coach): "With Peter's passing we very sadly lost a person who did so much for both racewalking and athletics in general, the type of hardworking person that kept our sport going. Not only that, we all lost a good friend, one who will be very sadly missed. LBG certainly won't be the same. My condolences go out to his to his family." Jim Leppik.

Daniel Lowe (Racewalking Club of Western Australia): "It seems that it is always the most precious that is taken away from us. Without a doubt athletics and racewalking in particular has truly lost a gem. May he Rest In Peace. The members of the Race Walking Club of Western Australia express their deepest sympathies to family and friends of Peter." Daniel Lowe.

Bob Chapman (ACT racewalker): "Peter and I spent many good times as racewalking competitors in club, state and national events. He will always be fondly remembered by me for his coaching/judging skills, great hospitality, lively dry wit and the many years of enthusiastic support he has given to Australian racewalking. I will miss him as both a friend and a great competitor." Bob Chapman.

John MacLachlan (Racewalking International USA): "To Vale Peter Waddel and Family Members: After many years of letter writing between Peter and myself I felt honored and very pleased to have some private time with him during my stay in Sydney for the 2000 Olympics. You are all so fortunate to have the type of memories left you by this fine person. We should all be so lucky to leave the same type memories to our friends and loved ones when we leave this earth. My heartfelt thoughts to you all during this transition period of being without Peter." Sincerely, John MacLachlan RaceWalking International (U.S.A.)

Pierce O'Callaghan (Ireland, international racewalker): "I was upset to hear the Legendary Peter Waddell has passed away to his eternal reward. He leaves a huge void in not only Australian RW'ing but World RW'ing aswell. His book on Australian RW'ing history was the first book of its kind to be published anywhere in the World and I imagine he was surprised to get an order from me for 20+ of them to be sent to Ireland a few years ago! After many years swapping letters and e mails I finally met him at the Australian 50km Olympic trials in Melbourne in Dec 1999 while myself and Jamie Costin were training in the Summer climes of Australia during our Winter and he immediately offered us a place to stay when we visited Canberra. He has been an outstanding ambassador to the event in Australia and one imagines naming a Cup after him for the LBG 20 mile walk winner as a fitting tribute to a man who quite literally devoted his life to Race Walking and its promotion. A life well walked Peter!"

Darren Alomes: "It is sad when a person who loved and respected the sport as a whole passes away. I wish to pass on my condolences and sympathy to everybody who has been touched by this man. May his legacy live on." Regards, Darren Alomes.

Carol Grant (former office manager in the AIS T&F Office Canberra, now working in AA office in Melbourne): "Please pass on my thoughts to Peter's family - he was not only very passionate about race walking but a big supporter/worker etc for our sport."

Alex Crawford (former racewalker, Sydney): "The memory that sticks out the most for me, is one of Peter on the microphone at the LBG Carnival giving a race commentary as only he can then all of a sudden he would pick somebody out of the crowd and give them a bit of a stir, upon hearing this people would look to Peter thinking did he really say that and he would give you a cheeky smile and a wink and go back to calling the race. Classic Peter. Sincere condolences to Peter's family and friends, he will be missed by all who knew him." Regards. Alex Crawford.

Russell McFarlane: (OzWalker02 discussion list) "On behalf of myself and all those involved in both racewalking and athletics in general I would like to pass on our sympathy and thoughts to the Waddell family on the sad passing of Peter. He was a pleasure to have known an to be involved with.Russell.

Jim Beisty (Newcastle Veterans Athletic Club): "I am so sad to hear of Peter's death.My condolences to his family and legion of much closer friends than I was ever privileged to be.We met only a few times,connected only by the odd competition in M65 Masters walks.He was so encouraging to me,at the time a broken down runner hoping to compete in walking,giving me advice on pacing and technique only minutes before we started races together.A great bloke. Jim Beisty/Newcastle Veterans Athletic Club.

David Culbert (Australian international representative long jumper): "I was certainly saddened by the news of Peter’s passing. I first came into contact with Peter during my time at the AIS in Canberra but more specifically during my time at Athletics Australia. I enjoyed reading his annual review of athletics in Australia – it contained the real picture rather than the spin. However it was his work with the local media in Canberra where Peter really made a difference. If every State had a Peter Waddell reporting, cajoling and encouraging media outlets the sport would be better for it. The only thing I could never understand was how such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporter of track and field was so in love with race walking!! It was something that a former long jumper used to enjoy giving him some stick over. Please pass on my condolences to his family." David Culbert.

Phil Essam (Ultra Runners): "I only met Peter Waddell a few times down at Coburg for the 24hr events. He certainly was one of life's Gentlemen. Please give my commiserations to his family. His contribution to racewalking must be remembered." Phil Essam Past Secretary of Aust Ultra Runners Association.

Letherby family (runners and racewalkers): "All my family remember Peter as always being very happy, helpful and with a great sense of humour (especially some of his gossip) - he will be sadly missed." Desiree, Jim, Teresa and Andrew Letherby.

Peter Bennett (Qld RWC): "It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Peter and I would like to convey sincerest condolences to Peter's family from all athletes past and present,coaches,officials and friends here in Queensland. We all know that Peter was an athlete,coach,selector,writer,administrator etc. but more that he was our friend and our communication link to each other.It was through Peter's efforts and knowledge that we learnt so much of each others achievements and backgrounds that we felt like we already knew each other.To race walkers the Canberra Federation meet each June is more like a family reunion that an athletics meet. He will be sorely missed by many and the community will be the poorer with his passing." Kind Regards, Peter Bennett QRWC.

Jon Phillips (West Australian racewalker): "I very much enjoyed reading his books about the history of racewalking in Australia, and checking the stats etc. The one with a fwd by Simon Baker, (with colour photo of Kerry Junna-Saxby on the front, and Andrew Jachno & Simon Baker on the back) gave me an idea or two when I did the 98 50km in Melbourne. His newsletters especially, were initially my main source of news of the results around the country when I was a junior. Without even mentioning Lake Burley Griffin, just a few small old examples of the tremendous legacy living on. Jon Phillips (past member of Racewalking Club of Western Australia) http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/7549/rwc.html Excerpt from the RWCWA website; "To get a copy of this Australia-wide, comprehensive, racewalking newsletter; Send a $1 stamp addressed envelope via "snail mail" to Peter Waddell" [Peter subsidised the entire Newsletter activity himself, sometimes getting it printed at the AIS T&F office or at any other likely location.]

Jill Huxley (NSW. Member of the IAAF walks judging panel): "Hello everyone, I felt I just had to send this message to you all in respect of Peter who was a friend to all, whether they walked or not. I am at present holidaying in New Zealand after attending the All Schools in Hobart and the Oceania Championships in Christchurch. I have just checked my e-mails and heard the very sad news, I still cannot take it in that we will not see Peter again. On behalf of the Federation, I feel we have really lost a big chunk of our walking fraternity in just one man, and hope that we can carry on Peter's good work in the future." Regards, Jill Huxley.

Bernie Goggin (Coburg Harriers, Vic): "I would like to pay tribute to the Memory of Peter Waddell both personally as a friend of the family since the early 1950's and as Secretary of Coburg Harriers Athletic Club. Peter competed in several Coburg 24 hour Carnivals, and it was always a pleasure to have his involvement, in particular for his dry sense of humour. In the section on the Entry Form for "person to be contacted in case of emergency", Peter would write: "Undertaker"." Bernie Goggin, Coburg Harriers.

Trevor Vogler (Perth, formerly A.C.T.): "My wife (Jenny) and I first meet Peter about 1985, when our son (Garry) began showing prowess as a race walker. It was shortly after this that Sue Cook encouraged me to also participate. The upshot of this was for me to participate in training sessions with a strange character named Peter Waddell. This as they say in the classics, was the start of a wonderful friendship for me and my family. It is no exaggeration for me to say he was my best mate, a loyal friend of Jenny, and a great encourager of Garry during his athletic career. The loss of personal contact with Peter was one of the regrets of our move to Perth. I shall always remember how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to spend time with him in hospital a few days prior to his passing.
Peter and I spent many hours training together. This was a necessity, as everyone else trained too fast for us. To overcome boredom, we had many long meaningful (and unmeaningful) discussions on topics ranging from the problems of the world, our personal problems and his casino exploits. (On the subject of Casinos, he took me one afternoon and we didn't leave until six the following morning). We did many trips away together, including the 1990 Veterans Oceanic games in Auckland. One classic race we had was at Albert Park in Melbourne where we dead-heated in a 10km race.(As Peter has now left us, I can't give the time, apart from it being slow). Because of his exalted position, and his friendship with the place official (Jill Huxley) the official results showed him finishing ahead of me. (We in fact discussed this event with family and friends in the hospital). The only scandalous matter I wish to raise occurred during the Veteran nationals in Adelaide (1993 I think) when Peter was giving Gwen Vines and myself a lift from the track and me as the perfect gentleman gave Gwen the front seat. Distracted by Gwen's presence, Peter duly reversed into a tree and broke his tail light. (This was probably practise for a more recent event when he drove into a shop in Brisbane).
Whilst Jenny and I only met a few members of his family on a limited basis,(apart from his late mother who was a dear lady and Peter was devoted to, even though he bought her a push-mower to mow the lawn), we take this opportunity to express our sympathy on the loss of a fine brother, uncle and cousin to them, and wonderful friend to the Vogler family."

Andrew, Lorraine, Matthew and Nicholas Jachno (Former Australian international racewalk representatives, Canberra): "Peter was more than just a friend, he was our family in Canberra. He was truly generous of himself to everyone. He was the link that kept not only his own family together but his racewalking family also. We will cherish our memories of him over the past 20 odd years and hold him in our hearts always. Peter was always asking us when we were going to make our comeback. In 2003 we invite all ex racewalkers, who may not have pulled on their runners for years, to join us and return to LBG Carnival and walk one more time in memory and honour of our Federation President and friend, Peter."

Ron and Shirley Young (Vic): "I consider myself privileged to have shared a friendship with Peter that spanned a period close to 50 years. We first became aware of each other as athletes attempting to make the 1956 Olympic Team. We did not see much of each other after the Games until we travelled to Cologne to compete in the 1st World Vet Games in 1972. From that time on we met regularly at veterans athletic meetings and our friendship developed. That frienship became stronger in the mid 80's when my daughter Lorraine and her husband Andrew went to live with Peter in Canberra. I am grateful that my wife Shirley and I together with Lorraine, Andrew and my grandsons Mattnew and Nicky had the opportunity to share a close friendship with Peter. Our visits to Canberra will not be the same without Peter dropping in for a chat and quick cuppa and a dose of his special brand of humour. The endless work he did to develop racewalking and veteran athletics in this country will be sadly missed by all, but the memory of what he achieved will not be forgotten."

Garry, Tina and Jamie Vogler (WA): I first met Peter in the mid 80's after being selected to represent the ACT in the National Little Athletics Champs in Darwin (in a strange event called "race walking"). He invited me to train with him and helped me with my technique. Even after I had improved and was much faster I still enjoyed the "slow" 8km walks with PW around Lake Ginninderra. He had an amazing knowledge of Race walking and athletics in general and could always rattle off a result of an event up to 40 years ago.
Some memories of Peter:
When I quit walking and started running he used to shout at the other runners "You are getting beaten by a walker". This did not always work in my favour as the other runners would speed up so as not to suffer the indignity of being beaten by an ex-walker.
Peter also gave me my first driving lesson at 15 years of age in his new car. It was in a park at Hay on the way to Adelaide for the All-Schools. After hearing about the Brisbane Shop "colliding" with him I don't know that driving lessons from Peter were a good thing
I managed to visit Canberra in May this year and introduced my wife Tina and son Jamie to Peter. We met at Sizzlers for dinner and he kept telling the waitresses to watch out because I eat too much. He would call them over and say "Do you realise he has already eaten 5 servings." It was good for Tina and Jamie to see the fun side of Peter. The one that all his friends and family had grown to love.
We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Peter's family and say thanks Peter for being such a great friend and supporter over the years." Garry, Tina and Jamie Vogler.

Bill Gould (Sydney. Former SA racewalker, ACT LBG 20-mile team member and 50 km racewalking representative): "It was by chance that I came across the sad news of the death of someone I had known of for over 40 years and had known personally, as a fellow track and distance walker, for over 20 years. I first heard of Peter Waddell when, as a subjunior schoolboy walker, I completed a 50 km walk in Adelaide and was told about Peter's exploits. Later, when I had moved to Canberra and resumed race walking, I competed with Peter in the 1981 ACT LBG 20 mile team. We again competed together in the mid-late 80s and, most recently, in the 1998 ACT LBG 20 mile event when Peter and I finished in consecutive positions. Throughout this time, not only did Peter's reputation precede him, but he more that lived up to the expectations I had of a champion sportsman who went out of his way to encourage others to improve and reach for and achieve their potential. As an occasional training companion around Lake Ginninderra, Peter's humour and endless anecdotes made many miles a more pleasant experience. There are not many like him who pass our way. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered."

Nett Knox (NSW, Chaplain, Australian Track and Field): "I never had the pleasure of meeting this man either, but I have heard of him and so much about him. My sincere condolences to his family and all who were fortunate to have their lives touched by a man of such obvious character."

Brian Hamer (Woodcroft, Sydney): "It is with deep regret and sadness that I only learned of Peter's death today (13 Jan 03) upon return to work after a month on holidays. I first met Peter in 1971 whilst walking in the Sydney interclub for St George and subsequently Parramatta clubs. I competed with and against Peter as a member of the NSW Walking team and also the ACT walking team whilst living in Canberra from 1983 to 1987 inclusive. About 10 years ago I was living in Melbourne and wanted to come to Canberra for the LBG Carnival with my family. I rang Peter about a week before the event and he was kind enough to organise accommodation for my family and myself. Peter was a good friend and nothing was too much trouble for him. I was unaware that he had been sick until today and he will be greatly missed. Fortunately, Peter left a great legacy for the athletics world. I am certainly the better for having met and known Peter. My condolences to his family. Regards, Brian Hamer."

John McDougall (Sydney): "As far as Racewalking is concerned I go back a long, long way with Peter Waddell, if for no other reason that we commenced Walking at interclub in the same race on the same day. Those were the fun days of club against club at interclub meets and anything went in the pursuit of points for your team. Western Suburbs and Botany Harriers as it was then were the fiercest of rivals so during a race, elbows, pushing and shoving, treading on the heels to remove opponents shoes etc were all part of the fun. Peter was high on the Harriers list of villains in this area and over the years we have had many a chuckle over some of the encounters in these races.I had the privilege of being in several NSW and walking club teams with him and one could not have asked for better company. As young competitors we both became fascinated with the use of 8mm movie cameras as an aid to our racing and for recording events. Our respective families were a constant captive audience on regular Sunday night screenings and to Peter's family home in Beecroft and one of his mother's great dinners was one of the first places that I ever took my then girl friend now wife Gwen too. Let me say that she was not half as keen on walking movies as Peter and I were! Peter was in attendance at our engagement and wedding and has been a friend to my family over all these years. My daughter Adrienne, who was a racewalker herself albeit for only a few years, recently recalled how Peter would call at our home and tease her about making a stew with her cherished pet pussy cat. Peter, Logan Irwin and myself often would train at Centennial Park at night on the road circuit. The park was pitch black and in winter one would finish in the dark, have a wash under the tap, dress and head for home. I recall a particular night when only Peter and I stayed for the wash up as we were, as we often did on Monday nights, going on to Sydney Stadium for the Boxing.We were in the process of changing our clothes when a park ranger came upon us and he took quite a bit of convincing that we were not a couple of poofs.We went to great lenghts to show him our racing gear to clear our good names! I was unable to attend Peter's funeral due to another similar engagement in Sydney on the same day, however like others we, all of my family, were there in spirit. My grandson, now a LA racewalker spoke fondly of Peter who he had met on some of Peter's visits to Sylvania track. He recalled our last meeting with him when we all had dinner together during the last Lake Burley Griffin weekend. Peter took a great interest in him and encouraged him to do his best as well as telling him some tall tales from the past.I had the privilege to serve with Peter on committees over the years and indeed for many years we were the President and Secretary team for the Federation. Despite my not being as involved with the Walks in the more recent years Peter always kept me up dated with his newsletters and regular phone calls and visits. His 70th birthday party was a truly memorable day for all his old mates who attended that day....Hopefully next years Memorial Day will be held on a day when it will not clash with LA championships as this year's did so that we may all get together and pay tribute to a guy who could accurately be described as Australia's Mr. Race Walking..Perhaps too the memory of Peter Waddell will assist all to deal with and overcome some of the problems that confront Race Walking in this time."

David Waddell: "I know its a bit later, but I was just surfing the net with my son, Jack Waddell (11 years) when I came across the web site for Peter Waddell. Would you mind still putting this onto the web site. Peter Waddell was my uncle and godfather. During different times of my life I saw him with differing regularity, as you do with all family and friends as circumstances change. But what I always remember of Peter was his generosity and his fun loving nature. He was always kind, as other tributes have indicated, both with his time and his money. Every time myself, sisters and cousins would see him (and later my own children) he would always be giving gifts, lollies, loose change etc. But he was always heaps of fun and I loved his stirring and jokes. I can remember one occassion when he got me in a toe lock on the front lawn and made me say my hail mary (just for fun). We later discovered that he had actually broken my toe. A sick sense of humour, but that was him. I can relay lots of other whacky stories about him, but most importantly he was always good fun and my favourite.
Just before Peter passed away Mum and Dad (his brother John) rang and let me know that he was not going to be around for long and I drove down to Canberra to be with them all. I spent some time with Peter over the last few days and actually stayed with him in his hospital room the night prior to his death. What amazed me about him was his strength of character. He never once complained and on many occassions suggested that I could go if I wanted to and that he would be okay -despite the fact that he was obviously in a great deal of pain. The day prior to his death one of his friends was visiting (sorry I can't remember the name...except that he was a doctor) and he told me that Peter was in the home stretch, but that we would not hear him complaining because he had dealt with pain on may occassions with the gruelling events that he had competed in. True enough he never whinged, or complained once. I will never forget his strength during this time and it was indeed an honour to have spent these last hours with him. Peter was loved by all and despite his stirring was extremely generous and caring. I loved him greatly and will always remember him. My kids still talk about him, despite their young age at his death with my daughter (Hannah - only 8 years of age) telling me as we were reading the website that he came to her birthday party, even though he had cancer.
"Uncle" Peter, thank you for everything and god bless you."


Peter's Newsletter - a random edition in 1992
From the same edition - the pot calls the kettle black!!!
Peter racewalking in Sydney in 1953.	Peter in the 1999 LBG, Canberra